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<p>The current food system primarily follows a linear model, yet the circular economy (CE) offers significant potential to improve food supply chains’ sustainability. Despite this, concrete strategies and robust measurement systems are essential for a successful transition to CE. This paper addresses this need by developing a comprehensive framework for assessing CE in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs). Our contribution focuses on bridging the gaps identified in the literature by (1) providing actionable CE strategies tailored to various stages of the AFSC, (2) offering a detailed classification of performance indicators with specific metrics for effective measurement, and (3) grounding our framework in empirical data. To achieve this goal, we employed a case-based methodology, analyzing sustainability reports from companies across four AFSC echelons: production, processing, distribution, and valorization. These reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, were subjected to content analysis to identify strategies that promote circularity and to select suitable sustainability indicators. The analysis highlights AFSC’s adoption of circular practices, particularly focusing on reducing and recycling strategies. Out of 86 GRI indicators assessed, 31 were identified as suitable for measuring, supporting, or controlling CE strategies, and categorized by CE-specificity levels in a proposed pyramid classification: 6 key indicators (1st level), 11 less specific indicators (2nd level), and 14 auxiliary indicators (3rd level). The study identified gaps in existing standards, proposing five new disclosures: avoided food waste; food waste identification and management; reverse logistics; circular packaging design; and regenerative farming. These strategies and indicators were compiled into a framework that serves as a roadmap for agri-food companies to monitor their CE transition. The framework was validated through focus groups with experts and interviews with specialists from the Portuguese agri-food sector. This research contributed to identifying essential CE strategies and performance indicators for AFSCs, providing a validated tool for companies to enhance their sustainability performance.</p>

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A comprehensive framework for assessing circular economy strategies in agri-food supply chains

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年1月20日

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  • Vânia Veloso,
  • Andreia Santos,
  • Ana Carvalho,
  • Ana Barbosa-Póvoa

摘要

The current food system primarily follows a linear model, yet the circular economy (CE) offers significant potential to improve food supply chains’ sustainability. Despite this, concrete strategies and robust measurement systems are essential for a successful transition to CE. This paper addresses this need by developing a comprehensive framework for assessing CE in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs). Our contribution focuses on bridging the gaps identified in the literature by (1) providing actionable CE strategies tailored to various stages of the AFSC, (2) offering a detailed classification of performance indicators with specific metrics for effective measurement, and (3) grounding our framework in empirical data. To achieve this goal, we employed a case-based methodology, analyzing sustainability reports from companies across four AFSC echelons: production, processing, distribution, and valorization. These reports, based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, were subjected to content analysis to identify strategies that promote circularity and to select suitable sustainability indicators. The analysis highlights AFSC’s adoption of circular practices, particularly focusing on reducing and recycling strategies. Out of 86 GRI indicators assessed, 31 were identified as suitable for measuring, supporting, or controlling CE strategies, and categorized by CE-specificity levels in a proposed pyramid classification: 6 key indicators (1st level), 11 less specific indicators (2nd level), and 14 auxiliary indicators (3rd level). The study identified gaps in existing standards, proposing five new disclosures: avoided food waste; food waste identification and management; reverse logistics; circular packaging design; and regenerative farming. These strategies and indicators were compiled into a framework that serves as a roadmap for agri-food companies to monitor their CE transition. The framework was validated through focus groups with experts and interviews with specialists from the Portuguese agri-food sector. This research contributed to identifying essential CE strategies and performance indicators for AFSCs, providing a validated tool for companies to enhance their sustainability performance.